I was DXed at 52.
A lifetime of hypomania, and all anybody ever said to me was what a busy person I was

Oh I've made some humdinger of a mess at times.

I just figure ...It Is What It Is.... take my meds, see my Pdoc regularly and do the best I can

Thank you for replying. I needed that. I don't feel so alone.

Coping with BP in my mid-60s isn't any fun either. For me the best thing is to enjoy what I can and maintain my treatment. Don't be too hard on others for not pointing out your symptoms. Most of us would just ignore them and have to come to our own acceptance. Sorry you lost all your friends but you've got friends here on DS

I was diagnosed 20 years ago at age 34. Bipolar came on all of a sudden in full bloom after my hysterectomy. However, I did have issues my whole life with moods and behavior.

I don't have many friends.. the ones I have are online. I tried making friends in person by going to an art class here in the community room of my building. I only went once and haven't been back. I don't do well in large groups unless it's a bp chat group.

I know how you feel about having suffered with bp symptoms for such a long while untreated. It was 3 years for me. I suffered through while trying to go to college. It was really difficult at times. In and out of the hospital with no meds. It was pretty useless going into the hospital when the doctor didn't even take time to see me.

Great big hug for you free... I hear your frustrating... I was diagnosed in my mid 30's however I'm sure it starting around 13

Unfortunately symptoms can overlap and/or change over time... I'm glad that you have the diagnosis now and are getting the help that you need.. Big hug for you...x

I was diagnosed with depression at 6, and was then put on antidepressants which made me manic. Both were so severe, by the time I was a teenager, how could I not know? Apparently NAMI still has work to do.

Getting diagnosed seems to take years for lots of us it seems. I also find it really interesting how many of us have thyroid issues as well! Big hugs to you. I think with the right mental health team and support (like this group right here) things can get better. Sending you good thoughts.

I'm 45 and was diagnosed around 11 years ago. It was first thought that l suffered from depression. I'm on thyroid medicine, tool.

I guess I got lucky. I was diagnosed at 19/20. When I told my mum she said she always suspected something was wrong with me. I wanted to ask her how she could have noticed signs and not done anything about it but I just let it go. I kinda get what you mean. Why did it have to take falling to the pits for something to be realized. Sucks. Ihope now that you have a name for it, now that you have a diagnosis, now that you know you'll be better able to take care of yourself. All the best and welcome to the family.

All anybody and even I said was I was "hyper". I worked like a lot and stayed alone in my room a lot. I'm angry because... Way back in the day there wasn't "Bipolar" and "manic depression" was not a subject that was ever mentioned to me. We didn't have the internet and we didn't go to different Drs. for different things, it was one dr. for all things. They never asked psych questions. If people knew, they kept it to themselves and that's what I'm bugged about. People say they care but really do they?

They do but they just have an odd way of showing it.

Idk, there are levels of friends ime. Under adversity, a few may stay and the rest leave. Likely they were uninformed about BP, too. I am sorry you've lost so much. Many of us have had very similar experiences.

I have a grandfather who regrets spanking his kids, and I have a great grandmother who regrets not being her kids' friend. My great grandmother thought that because she loved her* mom, that that was her role. My mom says that she asks her friends, and they all say that their parents spanked them, with or without belts. I think a lot of people just act, rather than think, which if you think about it, isn't much of a choice.

I was diagnosed in my 30's but pretty sure they would have diagnosed me at 13 if my parents believed in psychiatry. Sorry you had to go through so much but at least now you have some answers and can get help. Big Hugs.